THE MASONIC TEMPLE, PHILADELPHIA.

Evening Star, Issue 3400, 14 January 1874, Page 3

THE MASONIC TEMPLE, PHILADELPHIA.

The * New York World ’ gives the following description of the new Masonic Temple at Philadelphia, which was dedicated on the 26th September:— The noble structure stands upon the northeast corner of Broad and Filbert streets, directly opposite the new public buildings now in course of erection, and is the grandest Masonic edifice in the world. The site upon which it is reared cost 156,793d01. and the building itself over 1,000,000 dollars. It has been five years in construction, and the expenditure for the same was secured by a Masonic loan. The temple is the most imposing edifice in the “ Quaker City,” and towering above the many massive structures in its own immediate vicinity presents a landmark that can be distinctly seen for miles around. It bas two fronts—the west on Broad street and the south on Filbert. A perfect specimen of bold Norman architecture, it is unlike any other structure in the c It is 250 ft in length, with a breadth or lojift. The material used in the construction is Cape Ann syenite of a greyish white color, which gives the building a look of solidity and permanence furnished by few other stones, The architecture of the bnildsurmounted by its unique towers and facades, its magnificent windows and cormces, is imposing and grand. A feature of the front is the porch, which is the most elaborate and costly work of the kind in the country. It is built of Quincy granite, and is made up of four pairs of receding pillars, surmounted by arched semi-circular mouldings enriched by beautiful Norman decorations. The structure, which is three storeys and a basement in height, is said to contain 10,000,000 bricks. The hall is enclosed by an iron railing fence, and lamps will he placed around it for use at night. . The interior of the structure is magnificent; the grand staircases are of iron, and the first hj all is2oft in width. The floors are laid with black-and-white marble tiles, arranged in figures, and presenting a handsome appearance. Each hall of the temple is a sample of a different order of architecture—being the Egyptian, the Corinthian, the Doric, the Tonic, the Oriential, the Norman, the Gothic, and the Italian Renaissance. On the first floor is situated the banqueting hall, which is an elegant room, capable of seating over 609 persons, and is fitted up in truly grand style, ft is so constructed that it can he divided into two rooms and used by two different lodges at the same time, should necessity arise for such an arrangement. The Grand bodge hall, in the second storey, is constructed and decorated upon the Corinthian order. This room has seating capacity for 400 persons. It is 51ft wide by 106 ft in length. It is elegantly finished, and furnished in the most costly style. The Grand Chapter-hall is also situated upon the second flour, as well as those of the subordinate chapter, commandery, council, and consistory rooms, all of which are fit companions to the grand lodge hall. Its decorations cost several thousand dollars. In point of beauty and unique design of appointments it has no compeer. _ The doors are very handsome, being finished in an elegant variegated marble veneer, which gives them the appearance of polished stone. A striking feature of this apartment are the walls of the temple, which perform an important part in the mysteries of Royal Arch Masonry, The building throughout is admirably furnished with all the necessary adjuncts in the shape of waiting, toilet, library, banqueting, reading, and culinary rooms, whilst the ventilation, gas, water, and lighting features are perfect and marvellous.